Rare, stolen books returned to Sweden

NEW YORK (AP) – Two rare, stolen books have been returned to Swedish authorities during a repatriation ceremony in New York City.

According to court papers, they were among 56 antique books discovered stolen from the National Library of Sweden in 2004. Authorities say the library’s senior librarian stole and sold them to collectors around the world.

The two books were traced to a rare books store in Baltimore.

Steven Feldman, a New York lawyer hired by the library, told the Wall Street Journal (http://on.wsj.com/19jQ4rJ) the librarian used an alias to sell or consign the books to a German auction house. The librarian committed suicide shortly after confessing to the crime.

The repatriation ceremony was held Wednesday at the Manhattan district attorney’s office.